QUETTA: The Provincial Transport Authority (PTA) of Balochistan has launched a strict crackdown against transport operators on the Quetta-Jacobabad route following numerous public complaints about overcharging and passenger mistreatment.
Acting on the directives of PTA Secretary Waheed Sharif Umrani, Assistant PTA Haji Jan Muhammad led surprise inspections at major bus stands, including Gahi Khan Chowk and Musa Colony. During the checks, officials verified fares and warned transporters to strictly follow the government’s official rate list.
A major safety concern was also addressed, with authorities issuing a stern warning against the dangerous practice of allowing passengers to ride on vehicle rooftops.
To ensure widespread compliance, Secretary Umrani has directed the Regional Transport Authority, Traffic Police, and District Administrations in Quetta, Sibi, and Naseerabad to take immediate action against any violators. As a measure for public transparency, all transport operators have been ordered to clearly display the official fare chart inside their vehicles and at bus terminals.
The Secretary emphasized that repeat offenders will face severe penalties, including the cancellation of their route permits.
Also read: PTA Balochistan launches crackdown on illegal transport vehicles
Meanwhile PTA also has launched a comprehensive crackdown on illegal goods carriers and public transport vehicles across the province, seizing several vehicles and imposing fines on owners found violating transport laws.
In this sense, the campaign has been initiated on the special directives of Provincial Secretary Transport, Muhammad Hayat Kakar, and Secretary PTA Balochistan, Waheed Sharif Umrani.
In this regard, during inspections at the Dhadar bypass, Assistant PTA Balochistan, Jan Muhammad Muhammad Hasni, checked passenger vans, buses, goods trucks, trailers, and gas carriers.
These vehicles neither register in Balochistan nor pay the prescribed entry fees, causing vital losses to the provincial exchequer.
The unchecked movement of these heavy carriers also raises safety concerns, particularly on busy inter-district highways.
In this regard, the PTA officials warned goods and public transport owners to regularize their vehicles by completing documentation and securing valid permits.
They focused on the fact that failure to comply would result in vehicle confiscation during routine inspections.
The officials stated that the crackdown against illegal goods and public transport vehicles will continue across Balochistan without compromise.
They assured that strict enforcement is essential to protect government revenue, improve road safety, and streamline transport operations across the province.
